About

Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies was established in 1992 as the North American seat of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s monastery in Dharamsala, India. Between 1992 and 2014 the monastery was housed in an old Victorian era house in downtown Ithaca, NY. Today, Namgyal-Ithaca is part of a larger complex, Du Khor Choe Ling (Land of Kalachakra Study and Practice), situated on 28 acres of forest land three miles south of the City of Ithaca.
The monastery is home to several Tibetan monks, led by Venerable Tenzin Choesang. We host an annual two week Kalachakra Retreat each summer and recently added a week long Kalachakra Retreat in the early spring. In addition, the monastery offers Weekend Intensives on a variety of subjects in Tibetan Buddhism, as well as evening classes in the fall and spring. The evening classes are taught by a Geshe (master teacher) on loan from Namgyal-India. Each year a new Geshe arrives to continue the tradition.
On many Monday-Wednesday-Friday evenings at 5:15, the monks lead evening meditation and prayers. The M-W-F meditation is free and open to all.Read More

A History of Buddhism

The teachings of the historic Buddha form the basis of the Buddhist world-view and practice. The Buddha (Shakyamuni or Siddhartha Gautama) was born about 2565 years ago in what is now part of Nepal.
He was born into a royal clan yet he abandoned worldly power and wealth in pursuit of truth and enlightenment.Read More

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

The lineage of the Dalai Lamas is the most important spiritual lineage to the Tibetan people and to Tibetan Buddhists in the Himalayan region and throughout the world. The Dalai Lama is recognized to be the earthly manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of compassion. It is believed that this cherished being has been reincarnated again and again for hundreds of years.Read More

About Dü Khor Choe Ling

In early 2004, the monastery received a generous donation to be used to address some of the needs of the monastery for expanded housing and facilities for retreats. The Board of Directors used this money to purchase a 28-acre wooded lot just three miles south of the Aurora Street House.Read More

Faculty Staff & Board

Venerable Lobsang Choegyal was born in April 10th 1975 in Mussorie, Uttar Prasesh, India and went to school. He joined the Namgyal monastery in the year 1990. He memorized the classical texts for Guhayasamaja, Heruka, Yamantaka, Kalachakra and pujas related with Dharma protectors and three jewels.Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Buddhist to study at Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies?
Ans:- No. Anyone with an interest in studying Buddhism may attend Namgyal regardless of their religion.Read More